Join us for exclusive after-hours family experiences at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, offered on select Saturday evenings and overnights. Choose from three exciting themed programs: Space Science, Paleo Science (dinosaurs and fossils), and Crime Scene Science Investigation.

Upon arrival, drop off your gear, grab some pizza, and dive into a whirlwind of exciting, themed hands-on activities! Every program also includes a live-guided tour of the night sky at the Acheson Planetarium, a chance to explore our universe at our observatory, and the opportunity to uncover the secrets of our newest traveling exhibit, The Science of Archimedes.

For Evening programs, doors open at 5:30pm for check-in and pizza dinner. The fun kicks off at 6:00pm and wraps up by 9:00pm.

For Overnight programs, enjoy all the fun of our Evening programs, then roll out your sleeping bags and settle in for a night surrounded by our exhibits and collections. Late-night snacks and a movie make the Overnight adventure even more exciting! Many Overnight programs are aligned with Scout badge requirements—be sure to check the individual listings! Programming begins promptly at 6:00pm and concludes by 8:00am the following morning.

Upcoming Evening and Overnight Programs:

Space Science: Discover the wonders of the night sky as you explore with an astronomer, dive into space engineering, create your own moon phases, hold a REAL meteorite, hear a surprising constellation tale, and take a stroll to learn the true distances between the planets and the Sun. Plus, take home a special gift—a tasty astronaut snack!

The Space Science Evening program is offered on February 22.
The Space Science Overnight program is offered on April 12 and May 3.

If you're involved in Scouting, this program can help fulfill some or all of the requirements for the following badges: Daisy Space Science Explorer, Brownie Space Science Adventurer, Junior Space Science Investigator, and Tiger Sky's the Limit.

Paleo Science: Are you a dinosaur or fossil enthusiast? Get up close with REAL dinosaur bones straight from the field, hold a mammoth tooth from the Ice Ages, and even shake hands with a T. rex. Follow in the footsteps of paleontologists as you create casts from fossils and discover why our understanding of ancient creatures is always evolving. Plus, take home a special gift—a fossil from a prehistoric apex predator!

The Paleo Science Evening program is offered on March 8.

If you're involved in Scouting, this program offers helpful background for the Wolf Digging in the Past Elective Adventure.

Crime Scene Science Investigation: Can you crack the case? Start by sharpening your detective skills in workshops covering memory, blood analysis, fingerprints, and other types of evidence. Then, it's time to investigate the crime scene! Collect evidence, analyze clues, assess suspects, and collaborate with your team. Who do YOU think is the culprit? Plus, take home a special gift—a secret message communicator!

The Crime Scene Science Investigation Overnight program is offered on January 18.
The Crime Scene Science Investigation Evening program is offered on April 26.

If you're involved in Scouting, this program fully meets the requirements for the following badges: Junior Detective (Girl Scouts) and Bear Forensics (Cub Scouts).

Evening and Overnight Program Fee Details:
(Price includes general museum admission)

Evening Programs:

  • Member Adults/Children/Scouts: $42.50 per person
  • Non-Member Adults/Children/Scouts: $50 per person

Overnight Programs:

  • Member Adults/Children/Scouts: $85 per person
  • Non-Member Adults/Children/Scouts: $100 per person

Special Cranbrook Institute of Science patches are available for $5.

Registration closes 10 calendar days before the program. Programs with fewer than 60 total attendees may be canceled, and refunds will be issued.

Cancellation Policy:

Refunds are not available for Evening Programs or Overnights. However, cancellations made at least 10 days before the event date may request a one-time transfer credit to another event scheduled before

If you have additional questions, please email us at cisreservations@cranbrook.edu or call us at (248) 645-3210.